How-to: Put a USB Charging port just about anywhere, without AC power for as little as $50 (Solar+Battery)

A lot of folks, including myself, need to charge our USB devices away from an AC outlet. Whether it is for installing a USB camera in a remote location or doing work in a barn or shed that doesn’t have power or just being mobile outside and off grid, a USB Solar array is a great way to get that power you need without running ugly and costly wires.

Unfortunately, the sun only shines during the day and only will give you enough direct charge when those days are sunny. For the rest of the time, you’ll need to store that sunny electricity for use 24/7/365.

That’s where these nice EasyAcc discounted products come in. Solar Panel:

The EasyAcc Solar Panel is better than the garden variety fold out because it had 4 panels instead of the usual 3 meaning the Wattage jumps from 21W to 28W. That enables EasyAcc to allow simultaneous direct charging of 4 different devices and will even charge 2 devices at 2.4A each meaning that you’ll get a quicker charge on most devices. If you want to go a little cheaper, here are two smaller panels from Aukey but their charging capabilities are greatly diminished and it isn’t easy to recommend for this application:

• AUKEY 14W 2-Port USB Solar Charger w/coupon code: JWCTEGUW Sale price: $34.99
• AUKEY 20W 2-Port USB Solar Charger w/coupon code: 3AO5ECZZ Sale price: $38.99  

But we’ve still got the issue of when the sun goes away…

EasyAcc batteries will store that solar energy when the sun is gone and will deliver it when you need it (even continuously at smaller loads -for applications like cameras). Simply daisy chain via USB Solar->USB Battery-> phone/camera/etc.

I spent most of my time in this setup with the 20,000mAh battery and have nothing but good things to say about it. Even without sun, it can keep a typical iPhone user for about a week. It also has a very bright LED flashlight and can charge via 2 ports, either from solar or from a regular outlet or both in under 6 hours – which is pretty quick for a 20,000mAh battery.

EasyAcc’s solar panel is also tight. It is light, easy to position, actually puts out some good amps at 5 volts – enough for charging certainly – and most importantly reliable. You’ll get best results if you position the panels exactly facing the sun.

The battery is relatively light as well and I like the vertical USB port alignment both for space saving and organization. That light is also low-powered maglight equivalent. EasyAcc 20000 mAh power bank 20% off  with code: 9O45VLZA: $28.99

Wrap up:

Basically for $50-$78, you can create an off grid, always-available USB outlet by combining the solar panel and battery products above. This outlet can be in a shed or barn, in your office, by the pool or even in your backpack.

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